Apparatus for the storage and dispensing of flowable media

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an apparatus for the storage and removal of flowable media, in particular of glue, lacquer, contact adhesive, solvent and the like, comprising a storage vessel and a dispensing vessel, with the dispensing vessel having an opening for the dispensing of the flowable medium, with the storage vessel having an opening for the movement of the flowable medium from the storage vessel into the dispensing vessel and with the storage vessel having a further opening for filling the storage vessel with the flowable medium.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for the storage and dispensing of flowable media, in particular of glue, lacquer, contact adhesive, solvent and the like, comprising a storage vessel and a dispensing vessel, with the dispensing vessel having an opening for the dispensing of the flowable medium and with the storage vessel having an opening for the movement of the flowable medium from the storage vessel into the dispensing vessel.

In known apparatuses for the storage and dispensing of flowable media, in particular of glue, lacquer, contact adhesive, solvent and the like, an opening, made for example as a gap, is arranged between the storage vessel and the dispensing vessel and permits the movement of the flowable medium from the storage vessel into the dispensing vessel. With a sufficient filling of the storage vessel, the dispensing vessel is always filled with the flowable medium approximately up to the gap height in the operating state and permits its dispensing via an opening.

If the storage vessel has to be refilled, this is done in that the flowable medium to be poured in is introduced into the dispensing vessel and the moves via the said gap in the opposite direction to the operating state into the storage vessel by a corresponding holding of the apparatus. Filling the storage vessel via the gap connecting the storage vessel to the dispensing vessel is comparatively complicated and time-consuming.

It is therefore the underlying object of the present invention to further develop an apparatus in accordance with the preamble of claim 1 such that the filling of the storage vessel is simplified.

This object is solved by an apparatus having the features of claim 1. Advantageous aspects of the apparatus are the subject of the dependent claims.

In accordance with the invention, the storage vessel has a further opening for the filling of the storage vessel with the flowable medium. The filling opening in accordance with the invention makes it possible to fill the storage vessel directly. It is therefore not necessary to carry out the filling of the storage vessel by means of the opening located between the storage vessel and the dispensing vessel.

Provision is made in a further aspect of the invention for the opening for the movement of the flowable medium from the storage vessel into the dispensing vessel to have an area of at least 1 mm². The opening for the movement of the flowable medium from the storage vessel into the dispensing vessel can have an area of a maximum of 700 mm². The opening for the movement of the flowable medium from the storage vessel into the dispensing vessel can, for example, have an area in the range from 100 to 300 mm² or in the range from 140 to 250 mm².

In a preferred aspect of the invention, the maximum values of 700 mm², 300 mm² and 250 mm² apply for a volume of the storage vessel of up to 1.5 liters. With larger volumes of the storage vessel, they increase in this aspect of the invention in proportion to the volume of the storage vessel.

The aforesaid size ranges of the area of the opening ensure that the flow speed of the medium from the storage vessel into the dispensing vessel is restricted since the areally restricted opening sets a resistance against the flow. This has the consequence that the time in which the dispensing vessel is filled through the opening is lower than a customary refill time of the storage vessel. The time in which the dispensing vessel is filled during the filling of the storage vessel can, for example, be longer than 15 or 30 seconds or, for example, longer than one minute, so that sufficient time remains to fill the storage vessel. These values are examples. The opening between the storage vessel and the dispensing vessel is therefore preferably dimensioned such that no overflow of the dispensing vessel occurs during the filling of the storage vessel, i.e. the customary inflow speed into the storage vessel is larger than the inflow speed into the dispensing vessel.

The shape of the opening is largely as desired. It can be a circular opening, a gap with a straight side or at least one curved side, etc.

In a preferred aspect of the invention, a closing element is furthermore provided by means of which the further opening, which is termed a filling opening in the following, can be closed.

The filling opening can be arranged directly at the housing of the storage vessel or can be located, for example, in the end region of a grommet, a vial or the like secured to the housing.

Provision is made in a preferred aspect of the invention for the closing element to be a cover. The cover can have a cover plate from which a peripheral web extends whose outer dimensions are below the inner dimensions of the filling opening of the storage vessel closable by the cover or substantially correspond to them. The web can, for example, extend perpendicular from the cover plate. It is inserted into the filling opening of the storage vessel. The outer dimensions of the web are to be understood as the spacing of the outer sides of the web from one another; with circular webs that is the outer diameter of the web. The term inner dimensions of the filling opening are correspondingly to be understood as the spacing of the inner sides of the filling opening from one another.

A thread or a bayonet fastening can be provided by means of which the cover is in communication with the storage vessel. Other types of connection between the cover and the storage vessel are also conceivable.

The filling opening can be formed, for example, by an open end region of the housing of the storage vessel. In this case, the filling opening extends over the total cross-sectional area of the housing.

Provision can equally be made for the cover to have a cover plate from which a peripheral web extends whose inner dimensions are greater than the outer dimensions of the filling opening of the storage vessel or substantially correspond to them. In this embodiment, the web of the cover is pushed over a peripheral rim of the filling opening.

The web or the storage vessel can have one or more peripheral sealing elements for the fluid-tight closure of the filling opening. The choice of sealing elements is as desired. For example, peripheral ribs extending from the web can be considered as sealing elements. They can, for example, extend perpendicular from the web. It is also feasible to use O-ring seals which can be inserted into grooves, for example, for fixing purposes.

In a further aspect of the invention, provision is made for webs to extend on both sides of the cover plate which have different outer dimensions and/or inner dimensions. It is possible in this way to use one and the same cover for filling openings of different sizes.

To facilitate a removal of the cover from the storage vessel, provision can be made for the rim of the cover to project beyond the filling opening in the state placed onto the filling opening. The handling capability of the cover can be improved in that outwardly protruding arches are provided at the rim of the cover.

There are no restrictions with respect to the type and design of the filling opening or of the closing element. Provision can, for example, be made for the filling opening to extend over the total cross-section of the storage vessel and thus to be formed by the open end region of the housing of the storage vessel. Provision can alternatively or additionally be made for the filling opening to take up only a partial region of the cross-sectional area of the storage vessel or to be located, for example, in a side wall of the storage vessel. It is conceivable for a web surrounding the opening to be provided in the region of the filling opening; a cover can be set onto said web or a cover can be inserted into said web.

In another aspect of the invention, provision is made for the storage vessel to have a base body and a top in fluid-tight connection thereto. In this manner, the volume of the storage vessel can be changed as required in dependence on the size of the top. In an exemplary aspect of the invention, the top can be placed onto or inserted into the base body. Other types of connection such as a thread connection or a connection in accordance with a bayonet fastening are also feasible.

The connection between the base body and the top can be releasable or also non-releasable. It is conceivable that the connection is made such that a release is no longer possible after the joining together of the two parts. For this purpose, a security against rotation can be provided which e.g. prevents a loosening, i.e. a turning in the opposite direction, with the connection by means of a thread or a bayonet fastener. The security against rotation can always engage or engage only from a specific angle of rotation. Such securities are known, for example, from cable binders.

It is particularly advantageous for the means for the connection between the base body and the top to correspond to those between the closing element and the storage vessel. The advantage results from this that either the closing element or the top can be applied to the base body of the storage vessel. It is conceivable, for example, for the cover and the top to have the same thread and thus to be able to be alternatively screwed to the base body.

Provision can furthermore be made for the top to have a housing from whose end region a web extends which is retracted with respect to the outer side of the housing and whose outer dimensions substantially correspond to or are below the inner dimensions of the end region of the base body adjoining the top. Provision can be made to ensure a fluid-tight closure between the base body and the top for peripheral sealing elements to be provided at the outer side of the web or at the inner side of the end region of the base body adjoining the top.

Provision is made in a further aspect of the invention for the filling opening to be in the top. It is generally equally possible for the filling opening to be arranged in the base body. The filling opening can be arranged at any desired position of the storage vessel. An arrangement in the cover plate of the storage vessel or an aspect is advantageous in which the filling opening extends over the total cross-sectional area of the storage vessel. It is equally possible to arrange the filling opening in a side wall of the storage vessel.

An easily releasable securing of the top to the base body can be ensured in that the top can be locked to the base body by means of a latch connection. The latch connection can consist of lugs which extend from the top or from the base body and of receptions which are provided in the other one of the components and in which the lugs can be received in a latching manner.

In a further aspect of the invention, provision is made for the inner diameter and/or the outer diameter of the top to correspond to those of the base body.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a cover is provided as the closing element which has a groove into which the rim region of the filling opening of the storage vessel can be inserted. The rim region is introduced into the groove on the closing of the filling opening. A groove can furthermore be arranged in the rim region of the filling opening and a web extending from the cover can be inserted into it. The groove is advantageously designed as an annular groove surrounding the filling opening.

The storage vessel or the base body of the storage vessel and the dispensing vessel can have a common, one-part housing. This housing is preferably arranged on a base plate.

Provision is made in a further embodiment of the invention for the closing element to include a membrane which can be opened for the purpose of filling and which extends over the filling opening of the closing element. The membrane can have an opening slot by means of which the membrane can be opened such that a filling of the storage vessel is, for example, possible by means of a grommet, a funnel, a vial or by means of a hose. Provision is made in an advantageous aspect for the membrane to be elastic such that it moves back into its starting position after the filling process. Provision can be made for the membrane to close in a fluid-tight manner and also to largely prevent the escape of vapors of the flowable media, for example, solvent vapors.

Provision is made in a further aspect of the invention for the closing element to have an open/close valve. The valve can be switched to its “open position” for the purposes of the filling procedure. The valve is closed again after the completion of the filling procedure.

Provision is made in an advantageous embodiment of the invention for the storage vessel and the dispensing vessel to be in communication with one another by means of an opening, in particular by means of a gap, located in the lower region of the storage vessel. The flowable medium filled in via the filling opening of the storage vessel in accordance with the invention flows out of the storage vessel through the opening to the dispensing vessel and can here be removed, for example, by means of a brush.

In a further aspect of the invention, one or more inserts are provided by means of which the size of the area of the opening for the movement of the flowable medium from the storage vessel into the dispensing vessel can be influenced. Depending on the flowability of the medium, a desired area of the opening can be set by means of the insert(s) and a matching of the opening area or of the flow resistance provided by the opening to the flow speed to be expected can take place in this manner. A smaller opening size will be chosen for easily flowing media than for viscid media. A plurality of such inserts are preferably provided to be able to make an adaptation to different media. The selected insert is preferably inserted into the dispensing vessel. It is likewise generally conceivable to insert the insert into the storage vessel. The apparatus in accordance with the invention is naturally generally also operable without such inserts.

Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the Figure. There are shown:

FIGS. 1, 2: representations of apparatuses for the storage and dispensing of flowable media in different perspectives and in an exploded state;

FIG. 3: representations of a top for an apparatus for the storage and dispensing of flowable media in different perspectives and a sectional representation; and

FIG. 4: representations of an apparatus for the storage and removal of flowable media with a storage vessel consisting of a base body and a top in different representations with sectional views and in an exploded state.

FIG. 1 a) shows the apparatus in accordance with the invention in a side view. The apparatus consists of a base plate 1 on which the storage vessel 10 and the dispensing vessel 20 are located. The storage vessel 10 and the dispensing vessel 20 have a common housing which is in fluid-tight communication with the base plate 1. The storage vessel 10, the dispensing vessel 20 and the base plate 1 can be made in one piece. As can be seen from FIG. 1 a), the dispensing vessel 20 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the storage vessel 10. The storage vessel 10 is arranged vertically standing.

FIGS. 1 b), 1 c), 1 d) and 1 e) show the apparatus in accordance with FIG. 1 a) in a view from the left, in a perspective view, in a plan view and in a view from the right. FIG. 1 f) shows the apparatus in accordance with FIG. 1 a) in a perspective representation. The filling opening 11 of the storage vessel 10 can be seen in it. The filling opening 11 extends, as can be seen from FIG. 1 f), over the total cross-sectional area of the storage vessel 10 and forms its upper termination. The filling opening 11 can be closed by means of the cover 40. The cover 40 has a cover plate 42 from which a peripheral web 44 extends substantially perpendicularly downwardly. The web 44 has peripheral ribs 50 which serve as sealing elements and which extend substantially perpendicular from the former. The ribs 50 have outer dimensions which substantially correspond to the inner dimensions of the filling opening 11 of the storage vessel 10 to ensure in this manner that a fluid-tight, and substantially gas-tight, closure of the storage vessel 10 is achieved.

As can be seen from FIG. 1 f), the cover 40 is inserted from above into the filling opening 11 of the storage vessel 10.

FIG. 1 f) furthermore shows the opening 22 of the dispensing vessel 20 from which the flowable medium can be removed by means of the brush 2. The insert 21 is furthermore located in the dispensing vessel 20. The opening 22 of the dispensing vessel can be closed by means of a closing cap 23. The closing cap 23 in the present embodiment is provided with an elongate arch to receive the brush handle, as can be seen from FIG. 1.

The gap-shaped opening 30, through which the flowable medium flows from the storage container 10 into the dispensing vessel 20, is located between the storage vessel 10 and the dispensing vessel 20. A level of the flowable medium is adopted in the dispensing vessel 20 which corresponds approximately to the gap height.

If the storage vessel is to be refilled, the cover 40 is removed and the flowable medium is refilled through the filling opening until the desired level has been reached. The cover 40 is subsequently put back on again.

As can be seen from FIG. 1 a), the rim of the cover 40 projects beyond the housing of the storage vessel 10 adjoining the filling opening 11 in the state placed onto the filling opening 11. Furthermore, four arches 48 are provided in the rim region of the cover which facilitate the handling capability of the cover 40.

A plastic, for example, polypropylene, can preferably be considered as the material of the storage vessel 10, the dispensing vessel 20, the base plate 1, the insert 21, the closing cap 23 and the cover 40. Another material such as glass or metal or a material combination can naturally also be used.

The use of rubber seals on the web 44 or on the inner side of the end region of the housing of the dispensing vessel 10 having the filling opening 11 is also possible.

FIG. 2 shows an aspect similar to the apparatus in accordance with FIG. 1 so that reference is made to the explanations there. The views in accordance with FIGS. 2 b), 2 e) and 2 f) substantially correspond to the views in accordance with FIGS. 1 b), 1 d) and 1 e). As a complement to the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 1, bows 122 are provided in the upper end region of the storage vessel 10 whose function will be explained in more detail below.

FIGS. 2 c) and 2 g) show perspective representations of the apparatuses in the state ready for operation and in the exploded state.

FIGS. 2 a) and 2 d) show sectional views in accordance with the lines A-A of the apparatuses in accordance with FIGS. 2 e) and 2 c). It can be seen from FIGS. 2 a) and 2 d) that a downwardly directed web 44 extends substantially perpendicular from the cover plate 42 and forms a sealed closure of the storage vessel 10 via the ribs 50 which are arranged thereon and which sealingly contact the inner side of the housing of the storage vessel 10.

It can furthermore be seen that the closing cap 23 for the closing of the opening 22 of the dispensing vessel 20 has a rim region which is pushed over the end region of the dispensing vessel 20.

A further embodiment of the present invention can be seen from FIG. 4. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 4, the storage vessel 10 consists of a base body 12 and of a top 14. An embodiment of a top 14 is shown in FIG. 3.

FIGS. 4 b), 4 c), 4 g), 4 e) and 4 f) show a side view, a perspective view in the assembled state and in the exploded state, a plan view and a further side view of the apparatus of this embodiment. FIGS. 4 a) and 4 d) show sectional views in accordance with the lines A-A in FIGS. 4 e) and 4 c).

FIG. 4 g) illustrates that the top 14 has a web 142 in its lower end region which is retracted with respect to the outer side of the housing 140 of the top 14 and whose outer dimensions substantially correspond to the inner dimensions of the end region of the base body 12 adjoining the top 14. The retracted web 142 can thus be inserted into the upper end region of the base body 12.

For the locking of the top 14, it has lugs 146 which are arranged on its outer side and which can be inserted into corresponding receptions 122 which are arranged on the outside of the base body 12. The receptions 122 are substantially bow-shaped and have an opening into which the lugs 146 can be inserted in a latching manner.

As can be seen, for example, from FIG. 4 b), the lugs 146 and the receptions 122 are arranged on two opposite sides of the base body 12 and of the top 14.

The lugs 146 are resilient and have a web-like projection which engages underneath the bow-like receptions 122 in the locked state.

As can be seen from FIG. 4, the closing element is formed by the cover 40 which is inserted into the filling opening 11 of the top 14. The cover 40 corresponds to the embodiment explained with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

The statements made with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 apply accordingly with respect to the choice of the material of the apparatus.

To facilitate the examination of whether the storage vessel 10 has to be refilled again, provision can be made to make the storage vessel 10 or the base body 12 and the top 14 from a transparent material, preferably plastic. The use of, for example, glass is also feasible.

FIG. 3 shows in different views a top 14 for an apparatus for the storage and dispensing of flowable media.

FIGS. 3 a), 3 c), 3 d), 3 e and 3 f) show a side view of the top 14, a perspective view obliquely from above, a top view, a view from below and a perspective view obliquely from below. FIG. 3 b) shows a sectional view with a detailed representation of the lower end region.

As can be seen, for example, from FIGS. 3 a), 3 b), 3 c) and 3 f), the top 14 has a web 142 retracted with respect to the outer side of the housing 140. Resilient lugs 146 for reception in corresponding cut-outs of the base body are provided on the web 142. In the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 4, the lugs 146 extend in a substantially coincident manner with the inner side of the top 14, such as can be seen from the detailed representation in FIG. 3 b). The lugs 146 engage in this embodiment into cut-outs on the inner side of the upper end region of the housing of the base body 12. For this purpose, webs are provided on the lugs 146 in the end region which engage behind the cut-outs in the base body 12 so that a secure locking of the top 14 is ensured.

The base body 12, the top 14 and its web 142 can be provided with sealing elements to ensure that a fluid-tight closure is present between the base body 12 and the top 14.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the top and also the base body have a substantially square cross-sectional shape with rounded corner regions. This applies accordingly to the storage vessel in accordance with FIGS. 1 and 2.

Generally, other aspects of the storage vessel or also of the dispensing vessel are naturally also feasible. One possibility, for example, is to make the storage vessel, i.e. the base body and any top, with a circular cross-section, i.e. as a cylinder. Provision can be made to close the storage vessel by means of a round cover. 

1. An apparatus for the storage and dispensing of flowable media, in particular of glue, lacquer, contact adhesive, solvent and the like, comprising a storage vessel (10) and a dispensing vessel (20), with the dispensing vessel (20) having an opening (22) for the dispensing of the flowable medium and with the storage vessel (10) having an opening (30) for the movement of the flowable medium from the storage vessel (10) into the dispensing vessel (20). characterized in that the storage vessel (10) has a further opening (11) for the filling of the storage vessel (10) with the flowable medium.
 2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the opening (30) has an area of at least 1 mm² for the movement of the flowable medium from the storage vessel (10) into the dispensing vessel (20).
 3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the opening (30) has an area of a maximum of 700 mm² for the movement of the flowable medium from the storage vessel (10) into the dispensing vessel (20).
 4. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the opening (30) has an area in the range of 100 to 300 mm² or in the range from 140 to 250 mm² for the movement of the flowable medium from the storage vessel (10) into the dispensing vessel (20).
 5. An apparatus in accordance with claim 3, wherein the maximum values of 700 mm², 300 mm² and 250 mm² apply with a volume of the storage vessel (10) from up to 1.5 liters and wherein these maximum values increase proportionally to the volume of the storage vessel (10) for larger volumes of the storage vessel (10).
 6. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein a closing element is provided by means of which the further opening (11) can be closed.
 7. An apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein the closing element is made as a cover (40).
 8. An apparatus in accordance with claim 7, wherein the cover (40) has a thread or a bayonet fastening by means of which the cover can be screwed to a thread or to a bayonet fastening of the storage vessel (10).
 9. An apparatus in accordance with claim 7, wherein the cover (40) has a cover plate (42) from which a peripheral web (44) extends whose outer dimensions are below the inner dimensions of the further opening (11) of the storage vessel (10) or substantially correspond thereto.
 10. An apparatus in accordance with claim 7, wherein the cover has a cover plate from which a peripheral web extends whose inner dimensions are greater than the outer dimensions of the further opening or substantially correspond thereto.
 11. An apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein the web (44) or the storage vessel has one or more peripheral sealing elements for the fluid-tight closing of the further opening (11).
 12. An apparatus in accordance with claim 11, wherein the sealing elements are made as peripheral ribs (50) extending from the web (44).
 13. An apparatus in accordance with claim 7, wherein webs extend on both sides of the cover plate which have different outer dimensions and/or inner dimensions.
 14. An apparatus in accordance with claim 7, wherein the rim of the cover (40) projects beyond the further opening (11) in the state placed onto the further opening (11).
 15. An apparatus in accordance with claim 7, wherein outwardly projecting arches (48) are provided at the rim of the cover (40) for the better handling capability of the cover (40).
 16. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the storage vessel (10) has a base body (12) and a top (14) in fluid-tight communication therewith.
 17. An apparatus in accordance with claim 16, wherein the top (14) is in communication with the base body (12) by means of a plug connection or by means of a thread or of a bayonet fastening.
 18. An apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein the means for the connection between the base body (12) and the top (14) correspond to those between the base body (12) and the closing element.
 19. An apparatus in accordance with claim 17, wherein the connection between the top (14) and the base body (12) has a security against rotation.
 20. An apparatus in accordance with claim 16, wherein the top (14) has a housing (140) from whose end region a web (142) extends which is retracted with respect to the outer side of the housing (140) and whose outer dimensions substantially correspond to or are below the inner dimensions of the end region of the base body (12) adjoining the top (14).
 21. An apparatus in accordance with claim 20, wherein peripheral sealing elements are provided on the outer side of the web or on the inner side of the end region of the base body for the fluid-tight closing of the transition between the base body and the top.
 22. An apparatus in accordance with claim 16, wherein the further opening (11) for the filling of the storage vessel (10) is located in the top (14).
 23. An apparatus in accordance with claim 16, wherein the top (14) can be locked to the base body (12) by means of a latch connection.
 24. An apparatus in accordance with claim 23, wherein the latch connection consists of lugs (146) which extend from the top (14) or from the base body and of receptions (122) which are provided in the other one of the components (12) and in which the lugs (146) can be received in a latching manner.
 25. An apparatus in accordance with claim 16, wherein the inner and/or outer dimensions of the top (14) correspond to those of the base body (12).
 26. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein a cover is provided as the closing element which has a groove into which the rim region of the further opening of the storage vessel can be inserted or wherein a groove is provided in the rim region of the further opening into which a web extending from the cover can be inserted.
 27. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the storage vessel (10) or the base body (12) of the storage vessel (10) and the dispensing vessel (20) have a common, one-part housing.
 28. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the closing element includes a membrane which can be opened for the purpose of filling the storage vessel and which extends over the further opening of the storage vessel.
 29. An apparatus in accordance with claim 28, wherein the membrane has a slot.
 30. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the closing element includes an open/close valve.
 31. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the opening (30) is arranged in the lower region of the storage vessel (10) for the movement of the flowable medium from the storage vessel (10) into the dispensing vessel (20).
 32. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the opening (30) is made in the form of a gap for the movement of the flowable medium from the storage vessel (10) into the dispensing vessel (20).
 33. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein one or more inserts are provided by means of which the size of the area of the opening (30) for the movement of the flowable medium from the storage vessel (10) into the dispensing vessel (20) can be influenced. 